I am looking for a cheap laptop in which I can browse the web, play music, and it also needs enough power to run Source (I play a lot of Team Fortress and Counter-Strike). I don't mind a small amount of lag in game as long as it does not keep me from enjoying the game.

I am looking for the CHEAPEST, available. I realize Source isn't the hardest thing to run, so I'm hoping I may be able to get a good laptop for a decent price.

Honestly, I've been looking at a macbook for around a 1000 dollars. It has pretty decent specs, I've had experience with them, and with the recent release of Steam on the mac, I can play all the games I like. Unless anyone else has a better idea...

This was actually recommended before to someone else, and I have one, but you should check out the Alienware M11X. It comes in from $699-~$1800, so you have a lot of options. I have a relatively low end version and it runs many games like a champ. Source is not an issue on it at all.

Hmmm... I was looking at some of the Alienware laptops. The only complaint I have with the M11x is screen quality and size. I realize it's going to be small but would it be bearable to play games on? Or would you recommend getting another monitor to use while at home?

I realize they are cheap, and even at a cheaper 1000$ or even less version would probably run games like Team Fortress 2 and Half Life 2 easily. But I would also like to know if there are things I should really invest money in if I were to be gaming. Any suggestions?

I love mine. I play MW2 on it all the time, and it runs fine. Here's the thing. I would not get it as your main gaming system. I have a main desktop rig for gaming. The M11x is just for on-the-go gaming to pass free time on the road.
If you are getting this as your main gaming system, i do not know if the m11x is the best idea.

Here's the thing. I am 15 years old, and would not have ANYWHERE to put a big gaming desktop. The place where I am the most already have a desktop, but unfortunately, are not interested in gaming therefor the computer absolutely sucks. 1 Gig of Ram and a GMA for the video card. My plan was to invest in a laptop so I can still be in the places I like to be the most, can take it elsewhere if necessary, and still play the games I enjoy to play.

Unfortunately, a desktop replacement is not an option, and my only current option is a laptop, as cheap as possible. I do have a very old monitor from back in 2005 that I can set up in my room, kitchen table, ect.

The m11x may very well be my best option. But, honestly, I'm just not sure.

Here's the thing. I am 15 years old, and would not have ANYWHERE to put a big gaming desktop. The place where I am the most already have a desktop, but unfortunately, are not interested in gaming therefor the computer absolutely sucks. 1 Gig of Ram and a GMA for the video card. My plan was to invest in a laptop so I can still be in the places I like to be the most, can take it elsewhere if necessary, and still play the games I enjoy to play.

Unfortunately, a desktop replacement is not an option, and my only current option is a laptop, as cheap as possible. I do have a very old monitor from back in 2005 that I can set up in my room, kitchen table, ect.

The m11x may very well be my best option. But, honestly, I'm just not sure.